1957 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 1997 Proton 400
To start off, 1997 Proton 400 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Fairthorpe Electron (83 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Fairthorpe Electron should accelerate faster than 1997 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Proton 400 weights approximately 428 kg more than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron.
Because 1957 Fairthorpe Electron is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Proton 400, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. (99 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1997 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fairthorpe Electron | 1997 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Proton |
| Model | Electron | 400 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 542 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2510 mm |
